This Memorial Day weekend, I had the opportunity to run the Bayshore Half Marathon in Traverse City. As a Michigander runner, I had heard rave reviews about this race and its downhill course, which makes it popular for Boston Qualifiers. The race took place along Old Mission Peninsula, offering stunning views of the bay. The overall experience was great, although there were some challenges with the shuttle bus service on race day.

On the first day, my friend and I attended the Expo, which was held at the local Grand Traverse County Civic Center/YMCA. Although we arrived late in the evening, we were still able to pick up our race packets and explore the merchandise. The Expo was well-organized, with bibs located at the back and merchandise in the front. The only minor confusion was regarding the Bag Check, as bags were handed out separately, but overall, the experience was positive. After the Expo, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Artisan, where we savored delightful dishes and prepared ourselves mentally for the upcoming race.

On race day, I woke up early and prepared for the run. The weather forecast indicated a cool start in the low 40s and a warm finish in the high 70s. Unfortunately, the shuttle bus service experienced delays, causing some panic and stress. Despite the hiccups, the race was delayed and I managed to catch the shuttle and made it to the half start line. Unfortunately, the half started right as I got to the start line and I still needed to check my bag check. I started with the walking group, which required some weaving through the crowd initially. However, once I settled into my pace, I felt confident and determined to run the entire race without walk breaks. The course provided beautiful views, especially at the top of the uphill climb, and I maintained a steady pace throughout most of the race. The final sprint to the finish line was exhilarating, and I was thrilled to achieve a time of 02:06:03, making it one of my third fastest half marathons and my fastest since catching COVID.

Despite the minor hiccups with transportation and the bag check process, the Bayshore Half Marathon was an incredible experience. The race organization was commendable, and the stunning scenery made the run even more memorable. I can understand why this race is beloved by Michiganders, and I would gladly participate in it again in the future. The Bayshore Half Marathon has undoubtedly earned its reputation as a must-do race in the running community.